The Pirelli Scorpion Winter 2, ranking fourth, showcases a balanced performance with outstanding snow braking and impressive braking on wet pavement. It also offers a commendable level of comfort. Notably, on wet asphalt, it achieves braking distances that even surpass those of summer tires. The primary limitation of this tire is its reduced resistance to lateral hydroplaning, which is a critical factor to consider for wet weather driving.

The Pirelli Scorpion Winter 2 tire demonstrates remarkable performance in diverse conditions. In snow, it ensures high stability and safety. The tire excels in wet conditions, offering robust lateral grip, particularly during cornering. Its dry performance is notable, especially in braking and cornering, where it exhibits precision and safety.

The Pirelli Scorpion Winter 2 excelled in the winter testing environment in Sweden, though its advantage over the top all-season tire was a modest two percent. This smaller than expected gap can be attributed to the relatively mild weather conditions during the tests, with temperatures just below freezing. Under such conditions, the performance differences between all-season and winter tires tend to narrow.

In wet conditions, the Pirelli was almost on par with the Goodyear all-season tire, benefitting from air temperatures just above freezing, which fall within winter tires' optimal operating range. It provided good grip and stability at the rear axle, avoiding skidding tendencies.

However, on dry pavement, the winter tire fell short compared to the Michelin all-season tire. Its braking distances were about 10 percent longer, with noticeable deficiencies in responsiveness and steering. Additionally, the winter tire's rolling resistance was nearly 20 percent higher than the all-season tire, translating to an approximate 4 percent increase in fuel consumption. This underlines the specialized nature of winter tires, optimized for cold and snowy conditions but less efficient in milder and dry environments.

Pirelli remains a sturdy choice, especially shining on dry roads.

• Positive: Stands out due to its balanced nature and distinct dry pavement handling.

Rating: Recommended

The Pirelli Scorpion Winter 2 emerges as a top contender in dry conditions with its quickest dry lap and commendable braking distances. This model also excels in wet handling, further solidifying its reputation. While its performance in snowy conditions is notable, the tire stands out for its low noise levels, ensuring a comfortable driving experience.

The Pirelli Scorpion Winter 2 is designed for snowy terrains, offering reliable performance and stability. On dry roads, it stands out for its efficient braking capabilities. However, in wet conditions, especially when encountering puddles, its resistance to lateral aquaplaning could be improved.

• Positive: The tire provides a balanced and trustworthy performance on snow-covered roads, ensuring drivers feel secure even in challenging conditions. One of its standout features is its commendable braking capability on dry surfaces, enabling the vehicle to come to a stop efficiently. On wet roads, the tire showcases solid resistance against aquaplaning, especially when moving straight.

• Negative: Its primary limitation lies in its resistance to lateral aquaplaning. When navigating puddles, especially during cornering, the tire may not offer the same level of stability and grip.